Laser treatment is a commonly performed procedure. It is used to treat broken
facial capillaries, blood vessels, superficial scarring, pigmentation, and other
skin blemishes. After a few laser treatments, the capillaries usually disappear for good.
How long does it take?
Your treatment will generally take 15-20 minutes. After any laser
treatment, you need to hold ice over the area for a few 20 minutes. It is also a
good idea to intermittently hold ice over the area during the evening after the procedure. Ice on the area is important in that it diminishes the amount of blistering.
How much does it cost?
The cost is based on
the time it takes to carry out the treatment. All patients have an
initial consultation, which attracts a fee of $50 to $80 depending on
the length. Part of the consultation fee is rebatable through Medicare.
A 15-20 minute treatment costs $250 to $350. Part of the treatment fee
(about $100) can be rebatable through Medicare.
What about follow up treatments?
Follow up treatments are for between 15 and 30 minutes and cost $250 and $350
respectively. Medicare will provide a rebate on most treatments depending on the
severity of the condition. You should check with the doctor to see whether a
rebate will be applicable in your case.
How many treatments will it take?
This varies with the severity of the condition. The average number of treatments
for facial capillaries is two to three.
Is it effective?
Laser treatment for facial capillaries is very effective. Success rates
are approximately 95%. Treatment for port wine birthmarks is also very
effective.
How long will I need off work?
It is unlikely that you will need any time off work, although if you are
very much in the public eye, one or two days off may be advisable.
What will I look like straight
afterwards?
Immediately after treatment, the area will be red. Fine blistering will
occur that night. The tiny blisters will become fine scale by day two to
three. The amount of blistering depends on the length of treatment.
How does it work?
A laser produces a very bright light. The colour of this light is
selected in order to be specifically absorbed by the target tissue.
This is why different lasers are needed to treat different problems.
When the light beam hits the target capillaries it causes the capillary
to bond. The capillary will then disappear.
Are there any complications?
Rarely. Brown pigmentation can occur in the treated area, but this
always goes away. The incidence is less than 0.01%. Scarring can occur,
but again it is extremely rare.
Is it covered by private
insurance or Medicare?
Medicare will pay a rebate in cases where broken capillaries are a
certain size. Rebates are determined by the doctor only. Private health
funds do not cover laser treatments.
Does it hurt?
Laser treatment
stings. Like everything, the amount of discomfort varies from patient
to patient and depends on the area treated. Some patients prefer the
treatment to be done under local anaesthetic. Please ask about this if
you feel an anaesthetic cream would be helpful. Most patients, however
prefer to apply an ice pack for a few minutes just before treatment.
Can I apply make up to the area
after treatment?
Yes, you can apply make up to the treated area. Be careful not to rub
the area while applying or removing the make up as the skin will be very
delicate for a few days. Please pat any make up onto the skin with
your fingertips.